Give to OSU

Inspiring the Next Generation of Educators

Charlie Kurtz '65 and Linda Kurtz '69,'72

Charlie and Linda Kurtz

Charlie Kurtz '65 and Linda Kurtz '69,'72

Charlie and Linda Kurtz know firsthand the impact that an Ohio State education can have on someone's life, and all the lives they touch. They are committed to providing future educators with the opportunity to start their teaching careers with a degree from Ohio State.

Attending The Ohio State University College of Law was the obvious choice for Charlie since there is a long history of Ohio State graduates in his family. Beginning in 1908, four generations of the Kurtz family have graduated from three of the colleges.

Linda was the first in her family to attend Ohio State, but she quickly found her place and knew she made the right choice. Both have fond memories of their time at the university, especially cheering on the football team during home games. After graduation, Charlie enjoyed a successful career as a lawyer, and Linda as a teacher.

Linda carried her love for being a student at Ohio State into her teaching career. "I taught the alma mater, the fight song and other Ohio State songs to my students and encouraged parents to come into the classroom and share their school songs too," says Linda. "Every Friday, the students would yell, 'Go Bucks' as they left the classroom."

As a teacher, Linda strived to instill a strong love for learning in her students. When Linda was at Ohio State, the professors allowed each student to process the material in their own learning style, and she used the same individualized teaching approach with all of her students. "I wanted each one of my students to become the best student they could be," says Linda.

Charlie and Linda both believe that helping others achieve a strong education will make the world a better place. As a way to honor Linda's profession, Charlie decided to endow a scholarship fund for students interested in a career in teaching and gave it to her as a Christmas present.

The couple later considered their options and decided to designate the scholarship as a beneficiary of their estate. By making this blended gift, they are able to meet the needs of students now and leave a larger impact with an estate gift to ensure that future students interested in a career in teaching can benefit from the scholarship.

The Kurtz's scholarship will give students with a passion for teaching the opportunity to focus on their academics without worrying about the financial burden of an education.

"We need prepared educators for future generations, and we hope our financial support allows them to achieve this and go out and help others learn," said Linda. "Everyone needs a chance at impacting others in a positive way."

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to The Ohio State University Foundation a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give to The Ohio State University Foundation, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 14 E. 15th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Ohio State or other charities.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Ohio State as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Ohio State as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Ohio State where you agree to make a gift to Ohio State and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
Personal Estate Planning Kit Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the materials for planning your estate.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address

eBrochure Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the brochure.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address